MARCH 12.
The most general of negro infirmities appears to be that of
lameness. It is chiefly occasioned by the chiga, a diminutive
fly which works itself into the feet to lay its eggs, and, if it be
not carefully extracted in time, the flesh around it corrupts, and
a sore ensues not easily to be cured. No vigilance can prevent
the attacks of the chiga; and not only soldiers, but the very
cleanest persons of the highest rank in society, are obliged to
have their feet examined regularly. The negroes are all provided with
small knives for the
purpose of extracting them :
but as no pain is felt till the sore is produced, their extreme
laziness frequently makes them neglect that precaution, till all
kinds of dirt getting into the wound, increases the difficulty of a
cure ; and sometimes the consequence is lameness for life.
